Tekkies, or sneakers as they are known in America, have come a long way from simple athletic gear. Today, they’re cultural symbols bridging fashion, sport, music, art, and identity. As tekkie culture has grown, so too has the creative movement of tekkie decorating, where people transform plain shoes into wearable works of art.
Nelmari, owner of A Peace of Art, says, “Whether you’re a seasoned artist or simply looking to personalise your favourite pair, tekkie decorating is an exciting and accessible creative outlet. Here’s everything you need to know.”
What Are Tekkies and When Did Tekkie Fashion Begin?
Tekkies, also known as trainers or takkies, are casual shoes with rubber soles designed for comfort and performance. Their roots trace back to the late 19th century, when the U.S. Rubber Company introduced canvas-and-rubber plimsolls for recreational sport.
But tekkie fashion truly kicked off in the mid-20th century. In the 1950s, teenagers began wearing tekkies casually rather than just for physical activity. The 1970s and 1980s accelerated the trend thanks to basketball culture, hip-hop music, and high-profile athlete endorsements, particularly Michael Jordan’s Air Jordans.
By the 2000s, tekkies evolved from functional footwear into collectible fashion pieces. Today, limited-edition releases, designer collaborations, and streetwear culture continue to fuel global tekkie enthusiasm.
Why Do People Decorate Their Tekkies?
Tekkie decorating, also called customisation, has surged in popularity for several reasons
Self-expression: Tekkies are part of daily life, making them the perfect canvas to showcase personality, humour, interests, or artistic style.
Uniqueness: With mass-produced shoes everywhere, custom tekkies ensure no one else is wearing the same pair.
Sustainability: Instead of throwing away old or scuffed tekkies, decorating gives them a stylish second life.
Entrepreneurship: Custom tekkie artists now offer professional services—some even build thriving businesses online.
“We believe strongly in creative therapy. Many people find painting or craftingb calming, rewarding, and confidence-boosting and our regular workshops are very therapeutic. From subtle patterns to bold murals, tekkie decorating allows creativity to literally walk out the door,” laughs Nelmari.
What Equipment Do You Need to Decorate Tekkies?
Getting started doesn’t require a professional art studio, just the right tools. Common supplies include:
Tekkies, whether leather, canvas, or synthetic, can all be customised. White or
neutral pairs offer the most flexibility.
Acrylic leather paints for leather shoes
Fabric paints for canvas shoes
Acrylic finisher or sealant to protect designs
Fine-tip brushes for detail work
Soft, flat brushes for larger areas
Paint markers or Posca pens
Painter’s tape for clean lines
Sandpaper or acetone to prep leather
Mild soap or tekkie cleaner
Cotton pads
Microfibre cloths
Optional Extras that can take your art to another level:
Airbrush kit
Stencils
Rhinestones or studs
Laces, patches, embroidery
Nelmari advises that you start simple as your toolkit can grow as your skills do.
How to Decorate Your Tekkies: A Beginner-Friendly Guide
Nelmari adds, “You don’t need to be an artist to customise your shoes. Just follow these steps below.”
- Choose Your Tekkies: Pick a pair you’re excited about—old favourites, inexpensive basics, or blank canvas tekkies.
- Clean and Prep: Remove dirt, oils, or coatings to help the paint stick. For leather tekkies, gently wipe with acetone; for canvas, wash and air dry.
- Plan Your Design: Sketch on paper, create digital mockups, or lightly outline with pencil. Inspiration can come from nature, cartoons, sports teams, geometric or abstract art, or even personal names, initials, or dates.
- Tape Off Areas: Use masking or painter’s tape to protect midsoles, logos, and seams you don’t want painted.
- Start Painting: Apply thin, even layers rather than one thick coat—this prevents cracking. Let each coat dry before adding the next.
- Add Details: Use fine brushes or markers for outlines, shading, lettering, or illustrations.
- Seal and Protect: Once dry, apply a clear finisher to waterproof and safeguard your art.
- Wear and Enjoy: The best part of tekkie decorating? Showing them off.
Join our workshops
Nelmari says, “Tekkie decorating blends fashion, craftsmanship, individuality, and joy. It turns an everyday item into a moving canvas, one that reflects your creativity with every step.”
A Peace of Art holds regular Tekkie Decorating workshops in both Port Elizabeth and Bloemfontein. Follow them on social media to find out when the next workshop will be happening.
Facebook: @apeaceofartcreativeartsandcraftsworkshops
Instagram: @apeaceofart
Port Elizabeth: 85 Main Road, Walmer. Tel: 072 304 0797
Bloemfontein: 7 Avenham Street, Avenham. Tel: 076 192 1637
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